Introduction to Psychology Summary
Definition of Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior (APA).
First psychology lab established by Wilhelm Wundt in 1879 at University of Leipzig.
Goals of Psychology
Describe: Understand and delineate normal vs. abnormal behavior.
Explain: Investigate the reasons behind behaviors and contributing factors.
Predict: Use understanding to forecast future behaviors.
Change: Influence behavior for positive outcomes.
Scope of Psychology
Biopsychologists: Biological basis of behavior.
Experimental Psychologists: Processes of perception, learning, and cognition.
Developmental Psychologists: Growth and changes throughout life.
Personality Psychologists: Study individual behavior consistency and differences.
Health Psychologists: Psychological effects on physical health.
Clinical Psychologists: Diagnosis and treatment of abnormal behavior.
Counselling Psychologists: Social, educational, and career adjustment issues.
Educational Psychologists: Effects of education on students.
School Psychologists: Assessing and treating children’s academic/emotional issues.
Social Psychologists: Effects of social influence on thoughts and behaviors.
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists: Application of psychology in the workplace.
Consumer Psychologists: Influences on consumer behavior.
Cross-Cultural Psychologists: Cultural similarities and differences in psychology.
Emerging fields: Women’s psychology, neuropsychology, environmental psychology, forensic psychology, sports psychology.
Psychology and Other Disciplines
Sociology: Human social behavior and patterns.
Criminology: Study of crime and deviant behaviors.
Palmistry & Numerology: Pseudo-sciences based on mystical relationships.
Telepathy & Phenomenology: Claims about mental perception and qualitative research on experiences.
Parapsychology: Study of paranormal phenomena like telepathy, precognition.
Pseudo-Psychology: Unfounded practices; lacks scientific rigor (e.g., palmistry, phrenology).